World-famous vineyards

All around Bordeaux and Cognac, grapevines stretch as far as the eye can see, changing colours and smells with the rhythm of the seasons. Visiting the vineyards is like entering into the secret of the cellars, and allows you to meet passionate winegrowers, taste exceptional vintages, and enjoy gourmet meals. In short, rediscover your senses!

DAY 1 : Cognac is not just a spirit

Discover the history of the city and the great houses of Cognac, and end your day on the Martell rooftop to have a drink and admire the old town (see itinerary "Starting from La Rochelle" or "The Atlantic Coast : from Bilbao to Mont-St-Michel" for more details).

DAY 2 : Côtes de Blaye and Bourg

• Morning: walk in the “old village” of Bourg-sur-Gironde with its port, its washhouse, its citadel and its craftsmen. Then head to Blaye by following the “route de la corniche”, discovering villages with troglodyte houses and fishermen’s huts and enjoying a magnificent view of the largest estuary in Europe. Picnic lunch on the edge of the estuary OR at the Maison des Côtes de Bourg and its wine bar.
• Afternoon: take a guided tour of the Blaye citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Vauban’s masterpiece overlooking the Gironde estuary. OR seek out an introduction to tasting at the Maison du Vin de Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux. OR take a cruise on the Garonne with the companies of Deux Rives or Coeur d’Estuaire.
• Dinner and overnight: at the 3* hotel-restaurant Citadelle or equivalent.

DAY 3 : The Médoc Châteaux

• Morning: go to the Blaye pier for a ferry crossing to reach Lamarque in the Médoc. Then follow the Route des Châteaux du Médoc through the most famous wine villages (Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, etc.). Visits and tastings at the large estates or in more intimate castles. Lunch in the village of Bages. 
• Afternoon: assembly workshop in one of the wine houses or along the Route des Châteaux. OR to La Winery in Arsac for thematic tastings led by winegrowers. OR discover the secrets of cooperage from Nadalié, an expert cooper.
• Dinner and overnight: at the Relais de Margaux Hotel and Spa 4* or charming guest room at the Château de l’Isle.

DAY 4 (or more) : Bordeaux

Historic regional capital and gateway to the vineyards, discovery of the UNESCO city to admire its historical heritage. Allow 2-3 hours to visit the Cité du Vin (see itinerary "Starting from Bordeaux" for more details).

DAY 5 : Saint-Emilion and its vineyards

• Morning: discovery of the medieval city of Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  Don’t miss: the underground and monolithic church, the Tour du Roy, the collegiate church and its cloister, the washhouses or the cloister of the cordeliers, the Petit train of the winegrower. Lunch in a wine château with a winegrower.
• Afternoon: explore the vineyard by electric bike, segway, tuk-tuk, sidecar, or hot-air balloon. OR create your own wine in a winery with B-winemaker. OR take a green tour to Château de La Dauphine, an organic vineyard certified since 2015.
• Dinner and overnight: at the Auberge de la Commanderie OR in another accommodation in the heart of the vineyards.